Why is WGH discontinuing labor and delivery services at this time?
The decision comes from a national shortage of OBGYN specialists and a sudden change in local physician availability. After one of the two staff physicians became unable to participate in deliveries on short notice, the hospital determined it could no longer safely maintain the 24/7 staffing required for a labor and delivery unit. This follows over a year of unsuccessful national recruitment efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options for labor and delivery?
The hospital is collaborating with expectant mothers to transition their delivery plans to one of three nearby facilities:
UPMC Chautauqua (20 miles from WGH)
AHN St. Vincent Hospital (62 miles from WGH)
UPMC Hamot Magee-Women's Hospital (67 miles from WGH).
If I am an existing OB or GYN patient, can I continue to receive care at the hospital?
Yes. While inpatient labor and delivery are no longer available, the hospital remains committed to outpatient women’s health. You can still receive:
● Prenatal and postpartum care
● Gynecologic care
● Wellness exams and routine screenings
Will WGH continue to offer services such as mammograms, OB/GYN lab work, and OB/GYN ultrasounds?
Yes. These essential diagnostic and support services will remain available on-site to ensure comprehensive care for women in the community.
If I am pregnant and experience an emergency, can I receive care through the Emergency Room?
Yes. You can always present to the Emergency Room for immediate medical assessment and stabilization.
If I need emergency GYN care, can I present to the Emergency Room?
Yes. The Emergency Room remains available for all gynecological emergencies.
What is the future of women's health services at WGH?
The hospital has established a partnership with Dr. Michael Scutella and OBGYN Associates of Erie. This group of 18 physicians plans to begin providing outpatient women’s health services and same-day surgeries in Warren as early as the summer or fall of 2026.
Dr. Hannah Zank, who is currently in her OBGYN residency, is scheduled to join WGH's OBGYN team in July 2027. Beginning at that time, we are hopeful that Dr. Zank will lead our outpatient women's health care services and assist OBGYN Associates of Erie with call coverage.
What will happen to the labor and delivery staff?
The 14 Registered Nurses (RNs) currently in the Maternity Department will be offered the opportunity to transition into positions in other hospital departments. The hospital will provide the necessary training to support them in these new roles.
Is the discontinuation of labor and delivery services due to financial losses?
The change is due to clinical staffing challenges—specifically the inability to secure enough OBGYN physicians to maintain a safe 24/7 rotation—rather than financial performance.
What about Pediatrics? Will they be impacted?
Our outpatient Pediatrics department remains open, actively accepting patients, and will continue to care for all children in Warren County. Our inpatient Pediatric department will be integrated into our medical-surgical unit and will continue to care for children requiring hospitalization in Warren County.
What has the hospital done to recruit new OB/GYN physicians?
We have been committed to recruiting OB/GYN physicians for over a year. Despite aggressive national searches, and partnerships with healthcare recruiters, the nationwide shortage of OB/GYN specialists has made it increasingly difficult for independent hospitals to secure the enough physicians to safely maintain a 24/7 labor and delivery rotation. To date, WGH has:
● Contacted 28 OBGYN residency programs nationwide - all 16 OBGYN residency programs in Pennsylvania, 6 in Western New York, and 6 in Eastern Ohio - in attempts to connect with potential OBGYN physician candidates.
● We have utilized 10 recruiting agencies to try to locate OBGYN candidates from around the United States.
● Reached out to every available candidate on Practice Link, the nation’s leading physician job board.
● Engaged with U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson, PA Representative Kathy Rapp, and PA Senator Scott Hutchinson to advocate for recruitment assistance.
My provider is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Why can’t I continue to have her deliver my baby at the hospital?
While we value the incredible care provided by our midwives, hospital regulations and safety standards require an OB/GYN physician to be available to provide backup and surgical intervention (such as an emergency C-section) if complications arise during a midwife-attended birth. Without a full rotation of OB/GYN physicians, we cannot provide the necessary safety net for these services.
How many babies are delivered at WGH, and how has that changed over the last 10 years?
Like many community hospitals across the country, we have seen a steady decline in birth rates over the past decade. Approximately 175 babies have been delivered each year at WGH. Over the last 20 years, this number has steadily declined from approximately 400 deliveries each year. This trend is a result of shifting demographics and broader national health trends. While every birth at our hospital is a milestone for our community, the staffing and recruitment challenges make supporting a specialized 24/7 unit increasingly difficult.
Can partners like AHN or LECOM Health provide OB/GYN doctors to our community?
We continue to work closely with our partners at AHN and LECOM Health to explore all staffing solutions. While these partnerships are vital for many of our services, there are no options for them to assist with these challenges. We will continue to discuss how we can collaborate to ensure our community has the best possible access to women's health services.
If I want my records to be transferred to another provider, how can this happen?
Patients should work with clinical staff for a smooth transition. Alternatively, you can initiate a records transfer by contacting the Medical Records/Health Information Management (HIM) department to sign a release form at 814-726-1907.
Will I experience a disruption in my current prenatal appointments?
No. Patients with upcoming appointments will not experience disruptions in their prenatal or gynecologic care. These services continue to be led by the remaining board-certified physician and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
When do you expect to return to offering Labor and Delivery services?
At this time, we do not anticipate the return of Labor and Delivery services. The decision to discontinue these services was based on our inability to secure enough staffing to ensure a safe environment for mothers and babies. We will continue to explore options for care but are doubtful that we will be able to provide inpatient Labor & Delivery services in the future.
Dr. Hannah Zank, who is currently in her OBGYN residency, is scheduled to join WGH's OBGYN team in July 2027. Beginning at that time, we are hopeful that Dr. Zank will lead our outpatient women's health care services and assist OBGYN Associates of Erie with call coverage.